As your baby approaches their first birthday, you’ll notice they start to resemble a little human rather than a tiny infant. It’s bittersweet to witness this transformation, but it also opens doors to new milestones like walking, talking, and hopefully improved sleep for everyone involved. However, reaching the 10 or 11-month mark—or even turning one—doesn’t guarantee that sleep regressions are behind you. If you’ve experienced a few of these already, you know the pattern and that it won’t last forever. Still, you may have questions about what’s happening this time. Here’s what you need to understand about sleep regression during the 10 to 12-month period and how to navigate it.
Experiencing sleep difficulties with your baby? Be sure to check out our comprehensive guide on sleep regressions, starting from the three-month phase all the way through the nine-month stage.
What is Sleep Regression?
In general terms, sleep regression refers to phases (typically lasting between two to six weeks) when a baby or toddler who previously followed a somewhat consistent sleep schedule suddenly struggles with sleep. This may involve waking up more frequently at night, finding it hard to return to sleep, taking shorter naps than usual, or outright rejecting naps altogether. It can be incredibly frustrating for exhausted parents who thought they were finally getting back to a regular sleep routine.
The phenomenon of sleep regression has been studied since the 1940s by experts in developmental psychology. Yet, despite decades of research, scientists still don’t fully understand why or when these regressions occur, as reported by the New York Times. While there are numerous books and articles detailing specific “stages” of sleep regression, parents should remember that each child develops at their own pace. If your baby’s sleep patterns don’t align with those outlined in parenting resources, it’s generally not a cause for alarm. Always consult your pediatrician if you have concerns.
What to Expect During a 10 to 12-Month Sleep Regression
Every baby follows their own developmental timeline, so one might experience a sleep regression at ten months while another might encounter it at eleven or even twelve months. There is no exact timeline for sleep regressions, so if your baby’s experience doesn’t match traditional expectations, there’s no need to worry. The reasons behind these regressions are not entirely clear, but one theory suggests they coincide with cognitive and physical developments. By this age, babies are often more aware of their environment and don’t want to miss out on the action. When they’re awake, they’re likely engaging in activities that seem much more exciting than sleep.
Signs that your baby is experiencing a sleep regression during this period may include:
- More frequent night awakenings and difficulty falling back asleep.
- Increased fussiness or irritability.
- Shorter naps or complete refusal to nap.
- Resistance to sleep.
Tips for Managing Your Baby’s 10 to 12-Month Sleep Regression
First, check if your baby has a fever, as this can also disrupt their sleep. If their temperature is normal, they aren’t teething, and their sleep habits are off, they might be undergoing a 12-month sleep regression.
Here are some strategies to help your baby navigate this challenging phase:
- Maintain a consistent bedtime routine and sleep schedule, including naps. It might be tempting to keep them awake all day in hopes of achieving a full night’s sleep, but this often backfires.
- Consider trying the Ferber method, also known as the “cry it out” approach, to promote self-soothing. If this method doesn’t resonate with you, there are other sleep training techniques available.
- Remove any distractions such as gadgets, toys, or devices from their crib that might keep them awake.
- Ensure they get plenty of physical activity during the day to help them tire out by bedtime.
- Check for teething discomfort and address it as needed. Teething can be quite painful!
- Stay calm and adapt as necessary.
Will this be the last sleep regression your baby experiences? It’s hard to say. However, by now, you’re likely familiar with the routine, so it shouldn’t come as a complete shock. Remember, this phase is temporary and doesn’t negate the progress you’ve made in sleep training. They will return to a normal sleep schedule—eventually, you will too.
How to Sleep Train Your 10-Month-Old
Typically, sleep training occurs between four to six months, but it’s still possible to begin later. The longer you wait, though, the more challenging it may become to establish a sleep routine. Difficult doesn’t mean impossible, so don’t lose hope! If your little one is still waking you up throughout the night, here are a few strategies to guide them toward a more restful sleep.
It’s easier for babies to fall asleep when their separation anxiety is eased. This is a great time to introduce a blanket or stuffed animal as a comfort item, often referred to as a lovey. When your baby resists sleep, having something soft to cuddle can help them drift off.
Make sure to include a morning nap in their daily schedule. Even if it seems like they just woke up, babies typically need about two solid naps each day. Lack of daytime rest can make it significantly harder for them to fall asleep at night.
Sample Sleep Schedule for a 10-Month-Old
While your baby is growing, they still need naps. Keeping them on a structured schedule is beneficial. Here’s a sample daily routine:
- 8:00 a.m. — Wake up
- 10:00 a.m. — Breakfast
- 11:00 a.m. — Morning Nap
- 12:00 p.m. — Snack
- 1:00 p.m. — Lunch
- 2:00 p.m. — Afternoon Nap
- 3:00 p.m. — Snack
- 5:00 p.m. — Dinner
- 6:15 p.m. — Begin bedtime routine
- 7:00 p.m. — Bedtime
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Summary:
The 10 to 12-month sleep regression is a common phase where babies may experience disrupted sleep patterns. This regression can present itself through increased night awakenings, fussiness, and resistance to naps. Parents can manage this phase by maintaining a consistent sleep routine, addressing any potential discomfort, and ensuring the baby gets plenty of daytime activity. While these regressions can be challenging, they are temporary, and with patience, normal sleep patterns will return.
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